Organizers of an international film festival in Washington State are bringing a selection of their most popular films to the NK’MIP Resort for a three-day film-and-wine event this fall, showcasing first-class independent films at the extensive Osoyoos-area resort.
Geoff Klein and Mo Fine said that in recent years they have shown a selection of the best films from the annual Tumbleweed Film Festival in Oroville at wineries and other destinations around Washington State – but this will be their first foray into Canada.
Best of Fest will be held Sept. 22-24 at the NK’MIP Resort. For more information, phone the winery at 250-495-2985 or e-mail info@nkmipcellars.com.
Jennifer Busmann, Guest Services Manager at NK’MIP Cellars winery, says the films will be shown in the main theatre at the resort’s NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre, wine events will also be held at the Desert Cultural Centre, and accommodation packages are available at the onsite Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort. Other amenities at NK’MIP Resort include Sonora Desert Spa, the NK’MIP Conference Centre, Passa Tempo Restaurant, Sonora Dunes Golf Course, and NK’MIP RV Park.
The Osoyoos event will not only present a range of popular short films and feature movies from the latest Tumbleweed Film Festival, it is also open to additional short and feature-length films entered by independent filmmakers up to a Sept. 6 deadline.
“We particularly want to encourage any local or area filmmakers and any First Nations filmmakers to enter,” Klein says.
The films from the Tumbleweed Festival are by filmmakers in France, Spain, England, Peru, Trinidad, Australia, China and Korea – and the ‘Best of Fest’ will also show the Academy Award-nominated Irish film “The Crush”. For more information, or to enter, see: www.tumbleweedfilmfest.com/submit.html or email: info@tumbleweedfilmfest.com.
“We operate as a non-profit organization, and we love independent film,” Fine says. “We really feel that people need to see these films, and also that it’s good to bring attention to the area’s wineries. Our saying is: ‘Drink Locally, Watch Globally’.” She notes that their goal is to present a ‘Best of Fest’ event as frequently as once a month at locations around the Washington and B.C. area. Fine adds that the event also provides a great way for local sponsors to advertise themselves to a large audience, since print-program ads and large on-screen ads and logo displays are available at ‘Best of Fest’.
Destination Osoyoos Executive Director Jo Knight says, “Working with our community and stakeholders to foster the creation of events in our shoulder seasons is one of DO’s strategies. We look forward to this becoming an annual event.”
Busmann says the ‘Best of Fest’ event itinerary will include First Nations welcoming ceremonies, drumming, storytelling, and a complimentary introductory NK’MIP Cellars wine-tasting. The winery will also provide wine at the film screenings in the Desert Cultural Centre. She adds that officials at the NK’MIP Resort are excited about the upcoming event.